U.S. offer swap: Aid for ‘Merchant of Death’

The U.S. Congress may use financial aid to Thailand as leverage in an attempt to win the extradition of Russian citizen Viktor Bout – the man dubbed the ‘Merchant of Death’.

Washington claims Russia is hampering his extradition- he's wanted in the U.S. on charges of terrorism. The suspected arms smuggler is accused of supplying weapons to the Revolutionary Armed forces of Columbia, the Taliban, Al Qaeda and a variety of African warlords.

He was detained in Bangkok in March this year. Two hearings into his extradition have been held, but with no result.